You need to try these incredible non-alcoholic beers in Birmingham

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Since the pandemic, interest in non-alcoholic beer has grown as people look for healthier options. To dig deeper into what’s available locally, we went to Hop City Beer & Wine and LeNell’s Beverage Boutique. Keep reading to discover what we tried and what we liked.

Check out our fun taste test video

Big thanks to Ralph Marion at Hop City and LeNell Camacho Santa Ana at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique for hosting us and picking out the selections we tried.

“There are many reasons why someone might choose to abstain from drinking—for one evening or for an extended period of time. ‘Mocktails’ and other non-alcoholic beverages can provide a way for this person to discreetly abstain from alcohol and possibly avoid any follow-up questions they may not be ready or willing to answer.”

Zach Ludwig, LPC-S, NCC and Bradford’s VP of Clinical Services & Accreditation

If you’re looking for non-alcoholic beer in Birmingham, check out these 2 local shops

We went to Hop City + LeNell’s Beverage Boutique. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

While you can easily find non-alcoholic beer selections at Trader Joe’s, Target or other spots, we wanted to dig a little deeper, so we chose two local vendors known for their extensive selections.

Hop City Beer & Wine is right next to Pepper Place:

• Location: 2924 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Social: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Contact: 205.279.2337 | birmingham@hopcitybeer.com

LeNell’s Beverage Boutique is in Norwood:

• Location: 1208 32nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35234
• Social: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Contact: 205.536.3557 | lenell@lenells.com

Overcoming alcohol addiction is possible + personalized treatment is available for you, call Bradford Health Services at 1-888-Sober40. 

We tried 6 non-alcoholic beers

(l-r) Bitburger, Gruvi Pale Ale, Lagunitas IPNA, Athletic Cerveza Atletica, Athletic Run Wild IPA, Athletic Suped Up (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

We asked the vendors to choose three of their non-alcoholic beers at each spot.

Here’s what Ralph Marion chose at Hop City:

• Bitburger: like a German Pilsner; would be good with a flavorful cheese and a hearty bread.
• Gruvi Pale Ale: lighter than an IPA; easy drinking—would be delicious with a wedge of lemon or lime.
• Lagunitas IPNA: a fan favorite, this classic West Coast style IPA is nice and smooth.

LeNell Camacho Santa Ana of LeNell’s Beverage Boutique chose three offerings from Athletic Brewing:

“We carry all kinds of Athletic iterations in here—I actually carry more styles of Athletic Brewing than I carry real alcoholic beer in here, we’re such a fan of theirs. They donate a portion of their profits to trail restoration—last year they donated $2 million.”

• Cerveza Atletica: a popular Mexican-inspired light copper non-alcoholic beer. “Easy drinking,” like a Negra Modelo-style beer, with a good, smooth flavor and electrolytes.
• Run Wild IPA: One of LeNell’s personal favorites; it’s even fooled a homebrewing friend who had no idea this was a non-alcoholic beer. It uses several different types of hops, and is perfect to throw in the cooler for camping out or going to the lake. Also has electrolytes, which makes it perfect for a hot summer’s day.
• Suped Up: a dark coffee stout-style non-alcoholic beer with five grams of protein and coffee from Super Coffee Company; would be delicious with hamburgers or chocolate cake… or even in chili.

If you are in recovery from addiction, it’s worth asking whether you can drink non-alcoholic drinks without fear of relapse. The bottom line: know yourself and know your triggers.

For example, because both of these shops have extensive alcohol selections, you may want to consider asking a friend to pick up the non-alcoholic beer for you.

Cheers, y’all

N/A beer at Hop City (top) and LeNell’s (below). (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Whether you’re planning a tailgate party, looking for something to sip while you’re making supper or sitting down for a minute after cutting the grass, non-alcoholic beers have come a long way.

1 in 7 people struggles with their alcohol use. If you want to stop drinking + don’t know how, you are not alone. Call Bradford Health Services today at 1-888-Sober40.

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